Lab Chow Mix, shedding and chewing

Question
Hi, Labmam
We have a 9 month old Lab Chow mix who has suddenly started shedding excessively and having a lot of dandruff. We have had him about 3 months and this just started this week.  We feed him purina one and brush him daily.  He had a bath at the vet about 2 weeks ago, but other than that we have only bathed him once before when he got really muddy on a camping trip.

Also, he chews excessively.  We give him chew toys and try to make sure he has a special chew toy when he is going to be left alone, but he will still destroy any pillows, blankets, magazines, and even the furniture.

Thank You,
Sandra

Answer
I don't know what to say about the shedding.  It could relate to a change in the weather.  They blow off their old coat and grow another one for the new season.  I it doesn't go away in a few weeks, you might talk to the vet.  

The solution to the chewing is a crate.  Other dogs may
not be as bad as the young Labs I am plagued with.  Still your house and dog
will be much safer with the dog in a crate when you are away.  The dog may be
happier in its den than loose in the house.  It relaxes, it feels safe in its
den.  It rests, the body slows down reducing the need for water and relieving
its self.  Dogs that have been crated all along do very well.  Many of them
will rest in their crates even when the door is open.  I think the plastic
ones give the dog more of a safe, enclosed den feeling.  They are harder for
dogs to open too.    Metal ones can be put in a corner or covered with
something the dog can't pull in and chew.  Select
a crate just big enough for the full grown dog to stretch out in.

Leave it some toys.  Perhaps a Kong filled with peanut butter.  Don't leave
anything in the crate the dog might chew up.  It will do fine without even any
bedding.  You will come home to a safe dog and a house you can enjoy.

A dog that has not been crated since it was little, make take some work.
Start out just putting its toys and treats in the crate.  Praise it for going
in.  If you have been able to trust it with any bedding, put that in the crate.
Feed it in the crate.  This is also an easy way to maintain order at feeding
time for more than one dog.